Did you know that almost one-third of adults have bunions? Though common, these bony bumps can negatively impact your quality of life and prevent you from participating in even light physical activity. At New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery in Richmond and Farmville, Virginia, the team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bunions. Make your appointment today by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.
A bunion is a noticeable, bony growth that develops on the outer edge of your big toe. If the metatarsal bones at the base of your toe move out of place, your big toe turns inward and presses up against your little toes. Ultimately, this causes your joint to push outward and swell.
Wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes without a large toe box may increase your risk of developing a bunion. Other common causes of bunions include genetics, foot deformities, or medical conditions such as arthritis.
The most obvious symptom associated with a bunion is a large, bulging bump at the base of one or both big toes. Other telltale signs include:
As the condition progresses, you might also have trouble bending or straightening your big toe.
If your bunion isn’t causing you pain or affecting your mobility, you don’t necessarily need to seek medical treatment. However, if your bunion prevents you from fully moving your big toe or you have difficulty finding shoes that fit your feet because of your bunion, it’s important to make an appointment with New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery. Left untreated, a bunion may get worse and affect your mobility altogether.
Bunions affect people of all ages and genders. However, there are certain factors that may increase your risk, including:
You’re also more likely to develop bunions if your parents or grandparents had them.
Treatment for bunions depends on their size and severity. Whenever possible, your podiatrist at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery uses conservative measures of care, such as lifestyle changes. For example, your doctor might recommend you lose weight, ice your feet to reduce inflammation, or add inserts to your shoes. If these methods of treatment don’t ease your symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary.
If bunions are preventing you from participating in activities you used to love, make an appointment at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
